Atrial septal defect--ostium secundum variety. A review of 117 cases

Atrial septal defect is one of the most common congenital cardiac lesions seen at most centers. Typically one notes on physical examination a pulmonic lift with associated right ventricular lift. Wide splitting of the second sound is assocated with a Grade II to III systolic pulmonary ejection murmur. Characteristically, the electrocardiograph discloses an incomplete or complete right bundle branch block. This lesion is often well tolerated into the third and fourth decades of life. Subsequently one notes progressive cardiac symptomatology and eventual inoperability due to fixed pulmonary vascular changes. Our experience would indicate this entity to be readily correctable with an extremely low morbidity and mortality. Good result can be anticipated in all age groups.